The i wish you enough poem captures a simple yet profound wish for life’s perfect balance. People often share this heartfelt piece during farewells or moments of reflection. It reminds readers to value both joy and challenge. The poem stems from a touching airport story where a parent bids goodbye to a child. This exchange highlights gratitude for what sustains us. Many find comfort in its message of contentment over excess. It encourages appreciation for everyday experiences that shape our perspective.
### Quick Answer
The i wish you enough poem, written by Bob Perks, expresses wishes for just enough sun and rain, happiness and pain, gain and loss. These balances help people appreciate life’s highs and lows. The piece promotes contentment and thankfulness in daily living.
### Table of Contents
• The Story Behind The “I Wish You Enough” Poem
• Who Wrote “I Wish You Enough”?
• What Does “I Wish You Enough” Really Mean?
• Is “I Wish You Enough” A Poem, Story, Or Blessing?
• Themes And Symbols Inside The “I Wish You Enough” Poem
• Is “I Wish You Enough” An Irish Poem Or Modern Quote?
• How To Share “I Wish You Enough” In Farewells
• Using “I Wish You Enough” In Sympathy And Funeral Messages
• “I Wish You Enough” Messages For Family
• “I Wish You Enough” Messages For Friends
• Romantic Ways To Say “I Wish You Enough” To A Partner
• “I Wish You Enough” Captions And Texts For Social Media
• Spiritual And Christian Reflections On “I Wish You Enough”
• Short Alternatives Inspired By The “I Wish You Enough” Poem
• How To Write Your Own “I Wish You Enough” Poem
• Protecting The Original Poem And Using It Respectfully
• FAQs
• Conclusion
### TL;DR
• The poem comes from a touching airport goodbye story.
• It’s about wishing “just enough” good things, not perfection.
• The author is usually credited as writer and speaker Bob Perks.
• You can reference it in cards, funerals, and social posts.
• You should avoid copying the full poem; share and credit instead.
The Story Behind The “I Wish You Enough” Poem
Most versions of the airport goodbye story start the same way: someone sitting at a gate overhears a parent and adult child saying a final goodbye. The announcement for boarding is called, they hug, and the parent says, “I love you, and I wish you enough.”
Later, the storyteller gently asks what that phrase means. The parent explains it’s a generational blessing, passed down in the family, meant to wish a life of enough good things to sustain someone—enough happiness, enough strength, enough love to get through the hard parts.
• The story usually happens at a busy airport gate.
• A parent is saying goodbye to a grown child who lives far away.
• The parent knows this may be their last in-person farewell.
• The line “I wish you enough” stands in for a lifetime of love.
• A curious stranger respectfully asks what that phrase really means.
• The parent shares that it’s an old family blessing of “enough.”
• It’s about wishing enough good things to face upcoming challenges.
• The story often appears in inspirational books and blog posts.
• Retellings may change details (mother vs. father, dialog wording).
• The emotional core stays the same in almost every version.
• Readers connect with the quiet courage in the goodbye scene.
• Many people now borrow the story when they write their own farewells.
Who Wrote “I Wish You Enough”?
Online, you’ll see the Bob Perks name mentioned often with this piece, especially in connection with Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul. In those versions, he’s described as the storyteller who wrote down the scene and shaped it into a popular inspirational story.
Because the poem portion spreads fast on social media, it’s sometimes listed as “Author Unknown” or even mis-labeled as an old Irish blessing. Still, many sources credit Perks as the person who brought this modern blessing into the spotlight.
• Bob Perks is an inspirational writer and speaker.
• His version of the story appears in grief-focused collections.
• The story helped popularize both the phrase and the poem.
• Some websites credit him clearly; others leave the author blank.
• Quote graphics sometimes drop the name or change the wording.
• Book and article attributions point back toward Perks’s version.
• The airport scene likely mixes observation and crafted storytelling.
• The family blessing idea (“my parents said it”) runs through each version.
• Over time, people began sharing only the poem section.
• Once separated, the poem started circulating as a standalone quote.
• That separation helped fuel confusion about authorship and origin.
• When possible, it’s respectful to mention Perks when you reference the piece.
What Does “I Wish You Enough” Really Mean?
At its core, the meaning of I wish you enough is about balance and contentment. The blessing doesn’t ask for a life with zero pain or nonstop sunshine. Instead, it wishes for just enough of each experience—good and hard—to help a person grow into someone grateful, grounded, and strong.
Saying this to someone is a way of loving them realistically. You’re not promising them endless ease; you’re saying, “I hope you have enough light, love, and courage to face whatever comes, and enough contrast to really treasure it.”
• “Enough” means sufficiency, not scarcity and not excess.
• The poem pairs joy and struggle to highlight that balance.
• It suggests that pain can deepen our appreciation of joy.
• The wish covers emotional, practical, and spiritual needs.
• It’s less about possessions and more about inner strength.
• The blessing recognizes that life will include loss and change.
• It trusts that a mix of experiences can shape resilience.
• It gently pushes back against “never enough” culture.
• The phrase can comfort people who don’t want false hope.
• It works across faiths, ages, and backgrounds.
• Many readers feel seen by its honest, kind tone.
• Used well, it becomes a lifelong affirmation of “you are enough.”
Is “I Wish You Enough” A Poem, Story, Or Blessing?
If you search the phrase, you’ll see the same words presented as a short story, a prose poem, and even a “modern blessing.” The truth is that it’s all three: a little narrative scene, a list-style set of wishes, and a closing benediction for someone’s life.
The blessing-style wish structure—repeating “I wish you…” with different pairings—feels poetic, even though it looks like simple sentences. That makes it easy to quote in cards, services, and captions.
• The piece begins as a narrative scene in an airport.
• The conversation sets up the emotional context and stakes.
• The blessing itself follows as a list of “I wish you…” lines.
• Each line focuses on a different part of everyday life.
• Together, the lines create a prose poem or free verse.
• The story plus poem read like a modern parable.
• Some people share only the story, without the poem.
• Others share only the poem, without the airport scene.
• Many treat it as a generic “goodbye blessing” for any occasion.
• Its hybrid nature helps it travel across genres and platforms.
• The lack of strict structure makes translation and adaptation easier.
• Readers experience it less as literature and more as a heartfelt send-off.
Themes And Symbols Inside The “I Wish You Enough” Poem
Even if you’ve only seen pieces of the poem, you’ll remember a few key images: sunshine and rain, joy and pain, gain and loss, sun and rain contrast and those final hellos and goodbyes. Each pairing is a symbol for balance.
We won’t reprint the full text here, but we can walk through the main themes it uses so you can understand and explain it without needing every exact word.
• Sun stands for optimism, warmth, and bright outlooks.
• Rain stands for difficulty, grief, and gray-sky seasons.
• Joy represents celebration, laughter, and playful moments.
• Pain acknowledges heartbreak, illness, disappointment, and struggle.
• Gain points to success, achievement, and meeting desires.
• Loss reminds us of letting go, endings, and change.
• Hellos signal fresh starts, new people, and open doors.
• Goodbyes mark closure, distance, and final farewells.
• Each line pairs one comfort with one challenge.
• The pairings suggest you can’t truly value one without the other.
• The poem asks for enough of each to shape a whole life.
• That balance invites a grateful perspective in every season.
Is “I Wish You Enough” An Irish Poem Or Modern Quote?
You’ll often see the poem posted over green backgrounds or clover designs, labeled as an “Irish poem” or “traditional Irish blessing.” That’s part of the Irish poem confusion that happens when the internet loves a quote but loses the original context.
There isn’t strong evidence that this blessing is centuries old or truly Irish in origin. Instead, those labels likely stuck because it feels like the short Irish blessings many people already know.
• Several blogs call it “an Irish poem” without sources.
• Quote graphics sometimes pair it with Celtic knots or shamrocks.
• The structure resembles classic Irish blessings about roads rising and winds being at your back.
• However, most detailed tellings trace it to a modern airport scene.
• Bob Perks and grief-themed collections are often linked to it.
• No early Irish text or prayer book reliably records the poem.
• Misattribution is common with popular inspirational quotes.
• “Author Unknown” labels further blur the story’s real roots.
• It’s fair to say it’s Irish-style rather than truly Irish.
• When accuracy matters, call it a modern blessing or poem.
• If you love Irish traditions, you can pair this with real Irish blessings.
• Just be honest about where each piece likely comes from.
How To Share “I Wish You Enough” In Farewells
The poem’s original scene is a farewell, so it’s natural to use the blessing when someone is moving away, heading to college, changing jobs, or starting a big adventure. A farewell wish that nods to the poem can be powerful even when you don’t quote every line.
Because the original is copyrighted, it’s kinder to reference or adapt the ideas instead of copying the full poem into your note. Here are ways to carry the feeling in your own words.
• Mention the phrase and then add a personal sentence.
• Focus on wishing enough courage, joy, and support for their next step.
• Name the specific transition: college, a move, a new city, deployment.
• Use short lines that feel like blessings, not speeches.
• Keep your tone honest and warm, not overly dramatic.
• Acknowledge the bittersweet feeling in a last goodbye.
• You can say “I wish you enough” and then explain what that means to you.
• Include one memory that shows why you’re proud of them.
• End with a hopeful sentence about their new chapter.
• If appropriate, refer them to the poem instead of pasting it.
• Speak the words out loud during a goodbye hug or call.
• Remember that being present often matters more than perfect phrasing.
Using “I Wish You Enough” In Sympathy And Funeral Messages
Many people now use parts of the poem as a funeral reading or include the story in memorial programs. The balance of light and dark makes it especially fitting when you want to honor a full life, not just the final loss.
Again, you should avoid reproducing the entire poem without permission. Instead, you might quote a short line under the 90-character threshold and then surround it with your own words.
• Open your note by naming the person who has died.
• Acknowledge the depth of the family’s grief in simple language.
• Mention “I wish you enough” as a blessing for the days ahead.
• Share one or two short, adapted lines inspired by the poem.
• Focus on peace, courage, and support from others.
• In a service, you can summarize the airport story out loud.
• Consider pairing that summary with Scripture, prayers, or music.
• Make sure any printed program credits the poem and author.
• Avoid framing it as a traditional sacred text if it isn’t.
• Use the theme of “enough” to talk about a life well lived.
• Offer practical help in addition to poetic words.
• Allow your message to stay gentle, brief, and hopeful.
“I Wish You Enough” Messages For Family
Because the story centers on a parent and child, families love to use this blessing with kids, teens, and grown children. A parent blessing based on the poem can work for birthdays, graduations, weddings, or any time you’re feeling soft and sentimental.
You can echo the structure—“I wish you enough…”—but tailor the images to your child’s world instead of copying the original lines.
• “I wish you enough courage to try again when things feel hard.”
• “I wish you enough laughter to echo through every room you call home.”
• “I wish you enough honest friends to walk beside you for decades.”
• “I wish you enough quiet mornings to hear your own heart.”
• “I wish you enough curiosity to keep learning at every age.”
• “I wish you enough kindness to never forget where you came from.”
• “I wish you enough good tears to remind you what matters.”
• “I wish you enough questions to keep your faith alive and real.”
• “I wish you enough wins to know you’re capable and brave.”
• “I wish you enough safe places to rest your head and soul.”
• “I wish you enough family stories to carry our people with you.”
• “I wish you enough love to know you were always, always cherished.”
“I Wish You Enough” Messages For Friends
Friends are the family we choose, and many people want a friendship blessing that’s honest about the ups and downs you’ve walked through together. Short, adapted “I wish you enough” lines can fit in cards, DMs, or group chats.
Here, you can be a little more casual or even playful while still honoring the spirit of the poem.
• “I wish you enough chaos to keep life interesting, and enough peace to sleep.”
• “I wish you enough coffee dates to carry us through every season.”
• “I wish you enough deep talks to feel fully known and loved.”
• “I wish you enough road trips that we lose track of playlists.”
• “I wish you enough goofy photos to laugh at when we’re old.”
• “I wish you enough quiet nights in when the world feels loud.”
• “I wish you enough strength to ask for help when you need it.”
• “I wish you enough grace to forgive yourself on the rough days.”
• “I wish you enough victories to remember how capable you are.”
• “I wish you enough hugs that you never doubt you belong.”
• “I wish you enough memories that goodbyes never feel final.”
• “I wish you enough friendship to know you are never alone.”
Romantic Ways To Say “I Wish You Enough” To A Partner
Couples often look for language that’s both romantic and real. When you adapt the poem for couples, you can lean into everyday love—late-night talks, bills, inside jokes—rather than only big dramatic gestures.
These lines can fit inside anniversary letters, wedding vows, or just sticky notes in a lunchbox.
• “I wish you enough mornings where my face is your first smile.”
• “I wish you enough shared jokes that we laugh through wrinkles.”
• “I wish you enough arguments that we keep learning each other.”
• “I wish you enough lazy Sundays to remember why we chose this life.”
• “I wish you enough adventures that our photo roll never gets boring.”
• “I wish you enough quiet evenings to hear each other breathe.”
• “I wish you enough second chances to grow old side by side.”
• “I wish you enough passion to chase dreams together, not alone.”
• “I wish you enough hand-holding through every hospital and hallway.”
• “I wish you enough trust that hard conversations feel safe.”
• “I wish you enough time to say everything you’ve ever wanted.”
• “I wish you enough love that even our goodbyes feel holy.”
“I Wish You Enough” Captions And Texts For Social Media
Sometimes you see the poem under a sunset picture or farewell airport selfie. You might want something shorter for an aesthetic caption, Reel, or text that still echoes the poem’s short quote energy without copying it.
Here are original caption-length ideas inspired by the blessing that work for stories, photo dumps, or goodbye posts.
• “Not wishing you everything, just enough of what matters.”
• “I wish you enough light for every gray day ahead.”
• “Packing this in your carry-on: ‘I wish you enough.’”
• “Some goodbyes just sound like ‘I wish you enough.’”
• “You don’t need perfect; you just need enough.”
• “Sun, rain, joy, pain—may you have enough of each.”
• “Different paths, same wish: may you always have enough.”
• “Your next chapter deserves nothing more—and nothing less—than enough.”
• “Sending you off with pockets full of enough.”
• “May your ordinary days feel beautifully enough.”
• “I wish you enough brave, soft, messy, real moments.”
• “Less chasing ‘more,’ more trusting ‘enough.’”
Spiritual And Christian Reflections On “I Wish You Enough”
For some readers, the poem lines naturally point toward faith. Devotions and sermons often connect the blessing to spiritual meaning, gratitude, and trusting God (or a higher power) to provide enough for each day.
If that resonates with you, you can use “I wish you enough” as a bridge between everyday life and spiritual reflection without forcing it on people who aren’t religious.
• See “enough” as a reminder of daily bread rather than endless excess.
• Let the balance of sun and rain echo ancient wisdom texts.
• Use the poem to start conversations about gratitude and sufficiency.
• Remember that both joy and hardship can deepen spiritual maturity.
• Pair a short line from the blessing with a favorite verse or mantra.
• Emphasize that “enough” comes from care, not from constant striving.
• Encourage people to notice where they already have enough.
• Avoid claiming the poem as official doctrine or sacred scripture.
• Instead, treat it as a modern parable about trust and perspective.
• Use it to comfort people who feel behind or “not enough.”
• Highlight that contentment doesn’t mean settling for harm or injustice.
• Invite listeners to wish “enough” for others in very practical ways.
Short Alternatives Inspired By The “I Wish You Enough” Poem
Maybe you’re writing to a child, someone who doesn’t know the poem, or a friend who prefers simple language. In those cases, a short blessing that carries the same heart can be even more effective than referencing the original.
These alternatives are fresh lines you can safely use in cards, texts, or even kids’ bedtime prayers.
• “I hope you always have enough love to feel safe.”
• “I hope you always have enough courage to try again.”
• “I hope you always have enough laughter to soften hard days.”
• “I hope you always have enough rest to refill your heart.”
• “I hope you always have enough good people around you.”
• “I hope you always have enough hope to see tomorrow.”
• “I hope you always have enough light to find your way.”
• “I hope you always have enough patience with yourself.”
• “I hope you always have enough wisdom to choose what’s right.”
• “I hope you always have enough time with those you love.”
• “I hope you always have enough strength to ask for help.”
• “I hope you always have enough joy to keep singing.”
How To Write Your Own “I Wish You Enough” Poem
If the original inspires you, you might want to create your own version instead of reposting the existing lines. That’s a great way to honor the poem’s message while keeping your words original and personal. A good approach is to write your own version around something you deeply value.
Think of a person, picture their life, and then build a list of “I wish you…” lines around the experiences you hope they have just enough of.
• Start by choosing a person: child, friend, partner, or community.
• Make a quick list of joys and challenges they’ll likely face.
• For each joy, write “I wish you enough…” plus your image.
• Balance each joy with a challenge that gives it meaning.
• Keep your language simple, concrete, and specific.
• Avoid copying the original poem’s exact pairings or order.
• Let your culture, city, or family life influence your images.
• Read the lines aloud to check their rhythm and warmth.
• Trim any line that feels overly clever or complicated.
• Decide if you want a full story or just a list of wishes.
• Consider turning it into art, a card, or a voice note.
• Credit the “I Wish You Enough” poem as your inspiration if you share publicly.
Protecting The Original Poem And Using It Respectfully
The original poem text appears all over the internet, often copied word-for-word. But like most modern pieces, it’s still protected by copyright, and the right thing to do is honor that even when it’s easy to screenshot.
That doesn’t mean you can’t share it at all. It just means you should think carefully about how much text you reproduce, whether you have permission, and how you credit the author.
• Treat the poem as someone’s creative work, not a free stock image.
• Avoid posting the full text in captions, emails, or printed materials.
• When you quote a short line, put it in quotation marks.
• Include the author’s name when you reference the piece.
• Link or point people toward the sites that legally share it.
• Ask your officiant or venue about permissions for printed programs.
• For public speaking, summarizing themes is often safer than reciting verbatim.
• Use your own adaptation or blessing in long-form pieces of writing.
• Consider purchasing books or resources that include the poem.
• Respect requests from authors or publishers about how it’s used.
• Teach kids and teens that good art deserves respect and credit.
• Remember: honoring “enough” includes honoring the creator’s rights too.
FAQs
What does “I wish you enough” mean in the original poem?
In the original poem and story, “I wish you enough” means “I hope you have just enough good things in life to carry you through the hard things.” It’s a blessing for balance—enough joy, strength, love, and even challenge to build a deep, grateful life.
Who wrote the “I Wish You Enough” poem?
The poem and airport story are most often credited to writer and speaker Bob Perks, especially through their appearance in Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul and similar collections. Because the poem spread online without full citations, you’ll also see it listed as anonymous or misattributed, but Perks is widely recognized as the key source.
Is “I Wish You Enough” really an Irish poem?
No strong evidence ties the poem to historic Irish sources. Many people label it as an “Irish poem” or “Irish blessing” because it feels similar to traditional blessings, but it appears to be a modern piece popularized through contemporary books and blogs rather than an old Irish text.
Can I read the full “I Wish You Enough” poem for free?
Yes, you can find the full poem on several inspirational and faith-based websites, as well as in printed collections. However, because it’s still copyrighted, it’s better to read it there or in a purchased book instead of copying the entire text into your own posts or printed materials.
Is it okay to use the “I Wish You Enough” poem at a funeral?
You can absolutely draw on the poem’s themes for a funeral or memorial service. Many families either summarize the story in their own words or quote a short part of the blessing and then add personal reflections about their loved one. For printed programs or full readings, it’s wise to credit the author and avoid reproducing more text than necessary.
How can I use “I wish you enough” without copying the whole poem?
You can reference the phrase, quote a short line, and then add your own sentences about what “enough” means to you and the person you’re addressing. You can also write your own “I wish you…” list using new images, like “I wish you enough courage” or “I wish you enough safe places,” which keeps the spirit of the poem while respecting the original.
Conclusion
The i wish you enough poem continues to touch hearts with its timeless call for equilibrium in experiences. It fosters deeper appreciation for both triumphs and trials. Readers often turn to it for inspiration during transitions. This gentle reminder supports a fulfilled outlook rooted in balance. Share these words with someone special today.
Tyler Brooks is an American lifestyle writer known for creating family-centered wishes, milestone messages, and supportive greetings. With a strong background in parenting content and emotional wellness writing, Tyler brings clarity, warmth, and genuine care to every message. His work helps readers express feelings with ease—whether celebrating, comforting, or uplifting loved ones.